"Harry, you have nothing to worry about telling my parents or I how they treated you," she said. "They didn't feed you well, did they?"
"Not really, no," he replied.
"Madam Pomfrey should have... Oh," she said suddenly understanding. "That's one of the reasons why Dumbledore had her on loyalty potions, isn't it?"
"And one of the reasons she came all too close to breaching her medi-witch oath," he added. "Yes; that was my logical conclusion, as well."
"Have your godfather bring her here, if he can," said Wendell. "If either had any ill-intent towards you, those wards you had erected would stun them, wouldn't they?"
"Yes, they would," he nodded.
"Then, have them come here," said Wendell.
"More and more I actually like the idea of these wards," said Monica. "Thank you for having them erected."
"You're welcome," smiled Harry.
"Harry," said Hermione, bringing his attention to her. "How much did these wards cost? They had to be expensive."
"As I said to your father, I really don't know," he replied. "But, it doesn't matter to me, anyway. I've got far more money than I could spend in ten lifetimes.
"I've got so much it actually makes me a little uncomfortable. And, if I can put a little of it to what I consider important, then how much it costs me is irrelevant."
"You're avoiding the question," she declared.
"Yes; I am," he shot back.
"Hermione, that's enough," Wendell firmly stepped in. "It's not your concern."
Hermione stubbornly stared at her father for a long moment before she sagged in defeat. "Sorry," she said.
"As I told you at Hogwarts, Hermione," said Harry. "There are things I need to do, simply as the Lord of a Noble and Most Ancient House as one such example, you cannot be privy to. My business dealings, unless it relates directly with you, is one of them.
"I don't mind you asking the odd innocent question, because I know your 'curiosity to learn something new' strongly drives you; but, when you know I'm deliberately avoiding answering a question, you need to accept that and let it go."
"Sorry, Harry," she said again.
And Harry could see she meant it. "You're forgiven," he smiled.
As things settled down again, Harry pulled out his communication mirror to call Sirius.
"Padfoot," he whispered across the glass.
A long moment later and his own reflection was replaced by his godfather's visage. And Hermione moved to sit beside him.
"Hiya, Pup!" said Sirius. "How goes things at the Grangers?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After speaking with his godfather and letting him know he and Hermione had safely arrived he passed on the Granger's permission for him to visit.
"Good," said Sirius, "Let them know I very much appreciate it."
Harry looked to the Grangers to see both Wendell and Monica nod back.
Looking back down at the mirror he said, "They heard."
"Let them know I'll be over first thing in the morning," said Sirius. "You and I have quite a few things to talk about. I also promised you I'd let you know why I was late to the trial, this morning. That's part of it."
"Got a time in mind?" asked Harry.
"Eight thirty suit you?"
"Eight thirty would be fine," he replied. "Was Cousin Andi very upset with you for being out so long?"
"No," he replied. "As I said, she could see me from the Black Seat and I indicated to her I was heading back to her place right then.
"It was also her who let me know Dumbledore escaped a prison sentence when she got back. She was right ropable about that."
"How did that happen?" asked Hermione, leaning in.
"Dumbledore's welded-on supporters in the Wizengamot managed to get to a few others, of course. It was enough for him to escape the prison sentence but not enough for him to escape losing his positions as Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock. There was quite a bit of back-room dealing going on there."
"That's what I figured would happen and happened," nodded Harry.
"Anyway, we can talk more about that tomorrow morning," said Sirius. "I've got parchmentwork I need to get through dealing with the House of Black finances I promised the goblins I'd get back to them as soon as possible; and then Cousin Andi's going to dose me to the gills on restorative and healing potions that're going to knock me out for the night."
"Then you'd best get onto that," smiled Harry. "I don't envy you."
"No need," laughed the old dog. "She's still quite determined to get your health up to scratch, too. Mirror off!"
And the mirror faded back to a normal reflection.
"So, wizards and witches do have a way to contact others without using owls," said Wendell.
"These are one of a kind," said Harry, waving the mirror a bit. "Actually, that should probably be two of a kind - the one I have and the one my godfather has. They're something my father, godfather and two friends created while they were at school, so they could stay in contact with one another while one of them was in detention. That happened a lot."
"If your godfather could remember how they did it he should market them," said Hermione. "He'd make a fortune."
"He already has one," Harry grinned. "But, yes; I can see what you mean. I'll suggest it to him. It might be just what he needs to firmly re-establish his relationship with Moony. And Moony doesn't have a fortune, so it would be a way to help him without Moony getting on his high-horse about charity."...